World Anvil Worldbuilding Podcast
Janet Forbes & Dimitris Havlidis 100 episodes Aug 24, 2026
World Anvil Worldbuilding Podcast is a weekly show for anyone building fictional worlds for RPGs, novels, games, film, or other creative projects. Hosted by World Anvil founders Janet Forbes and Dimitris Havlidis, each episode explores a different worldbuilding theme, from cultures and societies to settlements, myths, legends, and common plot holes. They talk with creators and academics about practical techniques and inspiration. The podcast aims to educate, inspire, and entertain while pointing listeners to World Anvil's free worldbuilding tools.
Episodes
Hopepunk & Hopeful Speculative Fiction with Trent Hergenrader & Stephen Slota
In this episode of the World Anvil Worldbuilding Podcast, Janet talks with Dr. Trent Hergenrader, professor and director of the Center for Worldbuilding and Storytelling, and Dr. Stephen Slota, a learning scientist and instructional designer, both co-authors of The Worldbuilding Workshop: Teaching Critical Thinking and Empathy Through World Modeling, Simulations, and Games. Together they dig into
Worldbuilding for Anime and Manga with R.C. Helix
In this episode of the World Anvil Worldbuilding Podcast, Janet talks with R.C. Helix (Chris Moujaes), creator of the Flux Destiny universe and a veteran producer with over two decades of experience in film, animation, and publishing — including executive producer credits on the Mass Effect: Paragon Lost and Dragon Age: Dawn of the Seeker anime films. The two dig into what makes anime such a power
Writing Romantasy: Worldbuilding, Tropes, and Chemistry with H. Leighton Dixon
In this episode of the World Anvil Worldbuilding Podcast, Janet sits down with author H. Leighton Dixon to explore the booming romantasy genre. Dixon, known for the Dragons of Solanus series, discusses her latest release, Ship of Spells, a nautical romantasy featuring a sentient ship, a Warsguard mage, and an enemies-to-lovers slow burn. The conversation covers what actually separates romantasy fr
Keeping Your Creative Spark Alive During Chaotic Times with Sandra Taylor
Holidays and special occasions are supposed to be joyful, but for creatives they're often a minefield of disrupted routines, shrinking emotional bandwidth, and vanishing free time. This episode, Janet talks with writer, editor, and publisher Sandra Taylor—author of Structuring Life to Support Creativity—about how to protect your creative spark when life gets chaotic. Topics covered include: Re
Running Horror at the RPG Table | Night Hunters Interview with Wolfgang Baur & Celeste Connowitch
How do you make horror work at the RPG table, especially in systems where players are powerful, genre-savvy, and armed with darkvision, Detect Magic, and decades of monster knowledge? In this live interview, we're joined by Wolfgang Baur and Celeste Connowitch to talk about Running Horror at the RPG Table, inspired by their Night Hunters Kickstarter: a gothic horror setting for Tales of the Valian
Adapting Folklore for Fantasy Fiction with Shona Kinsella
In this episode, host Janet sits down with Scottish fantasy author and editor Shona Kinsella (The Daughters of Nicnevin, The Heart of Winter, The Flame and the Flood) to dig into one of worldbuilding's richest wells of inspiration: folklore. They start with a whirlwind tour of favorite folklore-inspired fiction — from Naomi Novik's Spinning Silver and Uprooted to Lucy Holland's Sister Song, T. Kin
Werewolves 101: Origins, Tropes, and Thematic Storytelling with Kel MacDonald
This episode, Janet sits down with award-winning comic creator Kel MacDonald (Sorcery 101, The City Between, Misfits of Avalon) for a deep dive into all things werewolf. Whether you're building a pack for your next RPG campaign, writing a werewolf protagonist, or just love unpacking classic monster tropes, this episode is full of insight for crafting werewolves that actually serve your story. To
How do You Write Fantasy Mysteries? with Leah R Cutter
Fantasy mysteries are having a moment—and this week we're digging into exactly what makes the combo work. Janet welcomes author and small press publisher Leah R. Cutter (Knotted Road Press, Mystery, Crime and Mayhem magazine) for a deep dive into blending magic and murder. Topics covered include: Does a fantasy mystery need a murder? (Spoiler: not always—missing heirs, stolen artifacts, and RPG
Worldbuilding Factions with Martha Wells (Part 1)
How do protagonists and villains get things done in your world? Probably not all by themselves! Factions - whether they're religious, corporate, political or trade organizations - are a VITAL part of your worldbuilding, adding spicy conflict when interests don't align. Join Janet and the AMAZING Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries) as they discuss how to write fantastic factions! https://marthawel
Worldbuilding Factions with Martha Wells (Part 2)
How do protagonists and villains get things done in your world? Probably not all by themselves! Factions - whether they're religious, corporate, political or trade organizations - are a VITAL part of your worldbuilding, adding spicy conflict when interests don't align. Join Janet and the AMAZING Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries) as they discuss how to write fantastic factions! https://marthawel
Crafting Creatures That Make Scientific Sense with Shirin Sheppard (Part 1)
We're joined by illustrator and creature designer Shirin Sheppard to talk about making monsters that make scientific sense! How could dragons actually breathe fire? When do you reference real-world biology - and when do you leave it behind? Bring your creature questions to this fun interview! https://www.facebook.com/shirinillustration/ WORLDBUILD WITH US! Create a ✨free✨ World Anvil account tod
Crafting Creatures That Make Scientific Sense with Shirin Sheppard (Part 2)
We're joined by illustrator and creature designer Shirin Sheppard to talk about making monsters that make scientific sense! How could dragons actually breathe fire? When do you reference real-world biology - and when do you leave it behind? Bring your creature questions to this fun interview! https://www.facebook.com/shirinillustration/ WORLDBUILD WITH US! Create a ✨free✨ World Anvil account tod
Why Monster Hunters Matter with Laura Anne Gilman (Part 1)
Join us as we chat with best-selling fantasy author Laura Anne Gilman about writing MONSTER HUNTERS. Whether you're talking historical fantasy, urban fantasy or gothic horror, these iconic characters stalk the night. Let's discuss tropes, tips, and what these archetypal heroes add to your games and stories. https://www.lauraannegilman.net/ WORLDBUILD WITH US! Create a ✨free✨ World Anvil accou
Why Monster Hunters Matter with Laura Anne Gilman (Part 2)
Join us as we chat with best-selling fantasy author Laura Anne Gilman about writing MONSTER HUNTERS. Whether you're talking historical fantasy, urban fantasy or gothic horror, these iconic characters stalk the night. Let's discuss tropes, tips, and what these archetypal heroes add to your games and stories. https://www.lauraannegilman.net/ WORLDBUILD WITH US! Create a ✨free✨ World Anvil accou
Witchy Worldbuilding with Rachel Aaron (Part 1)
Join us for a spooky season interview with author Rachel Aaron (Hell of a Witch), as we explore the scary practice of worldbuilding with witches. We'll discuss how witches are often treated differently from other magic users in fantasy and TTRPGs, the tricky aspects of crafting believable witches, and how to create a witchcraft-based magic system that feels distinct and interesting. https://rache
Witchy Worldbuilding with Rachel Aaron (Part 2)
Join us for a spooky season interview with author Rachel Aaron (Hell of a Witch), as we explore the scary practice of worldbuilding with witches. We'll discuss how witches are often treated differently from other magic users in fantasy and TTRPGs, the tricky aspects of crafting believable witches, and how to create a witchcraft-based magic system that feels distinct and interesting. https://rache
Cozy Fantasy Worldbuilding with Caitlin Rozakis (Part 1)
Join Janet and Caitlin Rozakis, author of The New York Times-bestselling novel Dreadful, for a delightful discussion of all things cozy fantasy! How do you create a setting that feels both cozy AND exciting? What are the essential elements of a cozy fantasy world? Bring your questions (and a cup of your favorite hot beverage) to this fun interview. https://www.caitlinrozakis.com/ WORLDBUILD WITH
Cozy Fantasy Worldbuilding with Caitlin Rozakis (Part 2)
Join Janet and Caitlin Rozakis, author of The New York Times-bestselling novel Dreadful, for a delightful discussion of all things cozy fantasy! How do you create a setting that feels both cozy AND exciting? What are the essential elements of a cozy fantasy world? Bring your questions (and a cup of your favorite hot beverage) to this fun interview. https://www.caitlinrozakis.com/ WORLDBUILD WITH
How to write Audio Drama with Emily Inkpen (Part 1)
Emily Inkpen is the co-creator of the award-winning Dex Legacy, an incredible audio drama about to enter its 3rd season! Learn Emily's process for writing and creating an audio drama that wins awards in this episode of the World Anvil worldbuilding podcast. https://www.emilyinkpen.com/thedexlegacy-home WORLDBUILD WITH US! Create a ✨free✨ World Anvil account today! Worldbuilding software, campai
How to write Audio Drama with Emily Inkpen (Part 2)
Emily Inkpen is the co-creator of the award-winning Dex Legacy, an incredible audio drama about to enter its 3rd season! Learn Emily's process for writing and creating an audio drama that wins awards in this episode of the World Anvil worldbuilding podcast. https://www.emilyinkpen.com/thedexlegacy-home WORLDBUILD WITH US! Create a ✨free✨ World Anvil account today! Worldbuilding software, campai
Worldbuilding a Generation Ship with Michael Mammay (Part 1)
What are the unique worldbuilding challenges (and opportunities) presented by a generation ship? This week, Janet sits down with Michael Mammay, author of the popular Planetside series, to explore the corridors and cultures of this unique scifi subgenre! https://www.michaelmammay.com/ Reviews of Generation Ship: Lightspeed Publishers Weekly Library Journal Booklist WORLDBUILD WITH US!
Worldbuilding a Generation Ship with Michael Mammay (Part 2)
What are the unique worldbuilding challenges (and opportunities) presented by a generation ship? This week, Janet sits down with Michael Mammay, author of the popular Planetside series, to explore the corridors and cultures of this unique scifi subgenre! https://www.michaelmammay.com/ Reviews of Generation Ship: Lightspeed Publishers Weekly Library Journal Booklist WORLDBUILD WITH US!
Making Magic Schools with T. Alexander Stangroom & Amanda Hamon (Part 1)
Join Janet with industry experts T. Alexander Stangroom & Amanda Hamon (Strixhaven: Curriculum of Chaos) to talk about MAKING MAGIC SCHOOLS, as we bring World Anvil's INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING challenge to a close! https://koboldpress.com/the-kobold-team https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandahamon/ https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/dnd/sacoc WORLDBUILD WITH US! Create a ✨free✨ World Anvil account
Making Magic Schools with T. Alexander Stangroom & Amanda Hamon (Part 2)
Join Janet with industry experts T. Alexander Stangroom & Amanda Hamon (Strixhaven: Curriculum of Chaos) to talk about MAKING MAGIC SCHOOLS, as we bring World Anvil's INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING challenge to a close! https://koboldpress.com/the-kobold-team https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandahamon/ https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/dnd/sacoc WORLDBUILD WITH US! Create a ✨free✨ World Anvil account
Historical Fantasy Worldbuilding with Chloe Gong (Part 1)
Join Janet and our guest, award-winning author Chloe Gong, to talk about using history - and Shakespeare - as a jumping off point for fantasy worldbuilding. https://thechloegong.com/ WORLDBUILD WITH US! Create a ✨free✨ World Anvil account today! Worldbuilding software, campaign manager and novel writing software. Created by two nerds, run with love & passion, supported by the friendliest commun
Historical Fantasy Worldbuilding with Chloe Gong (Part 2)
Join Janet and our guest, award-winning author Chloe Gong, to talk about using history - and Shakespeare - as a jumping off point for fantasy worldbuilding. https://thechloegong.com/ WORLDBUILD WITH US! Create a ✨free✨ World Anvil account today! Worldbuilding software, campaign manager and novel writing software. Created by two nerds, run with love & passion, supported by the friendliest commun
How Does Collaborative Worldbuilding Work? with Owen Greenwald & Paul Kivelson (part 1)
What are the benefits of collaborative worldbuilding? Who handles which part of a shared world? What mistakes did you make along the way? Janet is live with authors and worldbuilders Owen B. Greenwald and Paul Kivelson, discussing how they collaboratively built their world on World Anvil, for their latest novel, Weapons of the Mind! https://www.owenbgreenwald.com/ https://www.paulkivelson.com/
How Does Collaborative Worldbuilding Work? with Owen Greenwald & Paul Kivelson (part 2)
What are the benefits of collaborative worldbuilding? Who handles which part of a shared world? What mistakes did you make along the way? Janet is live with authors and worldbuilders Owen B. Greenwald and Paul Kivelson, discussing how they collaboratively built their world on World Anvil, for their latest novel, Weapons of the Mind! https://www.owenbgreenwald.com/ https://www.paulkivelson.com/
Modern Mythic Fantasy with Abigail Owen (part 1)
Storytellers have been remixing tales of Greek gods since... well, ancient Greece! Kat chats with award-winning author Abigail Owens, whose new release Games Gods Play retells the Hades/Persephone myth in present-day San Francisco. Let's talk about worldbuilding a mythic fantasy setting that blends ancient and modern elements! https://abigailowen.com/ https://linktr.ee/abigailowen WORLDBUILD WI
Modern Mythic Fantasy with Abigail Owen (part 2)
Storytellers have been remixing tales of Greek gods since... well, ancient Greece! Kat chats with award-winning author Abigail Owens, whose new release Games Gods Play retells the Hades/Persephone myth in present-day San Francisco. Let's talk about worldbuilding a mythic fantasy setting that blends ancient and modern elements! https://abigailowen.com/ https://linktr.ee/abigailowen WORLDBUILD WI
Adapting Life to Creative Capacity with Sandra Tayler (part 1)
How do you fit creative work into an already jam-packed life? Especially when you must account for things like physical and mental health challenges? Join Janet and author Sandra Tayler, whose new book Structuring Life to Support Creativity tackles these questions and more! https://www.sandratayler.com/ https://structuring-life-to-support-creativity.backerkit.com/ https://www.onecobble.com/ WOR
Adapting Life to Creative Capacity with Sandra Tayler (part 2)
How do you fit creative work into an already jam-packed life? Especially when you must account for things like physical and mental health challenges? Join Janet and author Sandra Tayler, whose new book Structuring Life to Support Creativity tackles these questions and more! https://www.sandratayler.com/ https://structuring-life-to-support-creativity.backerkit.com/ https://www.onecobble.com/ WOR
Comedy Science Fiction with Andy Law (Part 2)
To celebrate Douglas Adam's iconic "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" we're talking about Comedy Science Fiction. Comedy Scifi is an oft-forgotten genre, but from "Galaxy Quest" to "Rick and Morty" to "Starter Villain" by John Scalzi, it's an increasingly popular take on far future worlds! Join Janet Forbes, Kat Bradbury and Andy Law as we delve deep into how to make the future funny, as well as w
Comedy Science Fiction with Andy Law (Part 1)
To celebrate Douglas Adam's iconic "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" we're talking about Comedy Science Fiction. Comedy Scifi is an oft-forgotten genre, but from "Galaxy Quest" to "Rick and Morty" to "Starter Villain" by John Scalzi, it's an increasingly popular take on far future worlds! Join Janet Forbes, Kat Bradbury and Andy Law as we delve deep into how to make the future funny, as well as w
Anthologies - What, Why & How with Bona Books (Part 2)
If you're writing short stories, it's good to know what an anthology is, what different kinds of anthologies exist, why people produce them, and how to write for one! Janet & Kat are joined by writing partners Trip Galey and Chris McCartney of Bona Books, who are publishing a themed anthology. https://www.bona-books.com https://www.tripgaley.com @chrismccartney.bsky.social WORLDBUILD WITH US! C
Anthologies - What, Why & How with Bona Books (Part 1)
If you're writing short stories, it's good to know what an anthology is, what different kinds of anthologies exist, why people produce them, and how to write for one! Janet & Kat are joined by writing partners Trip Galey and Chris McCartney of Bona Books, who are publishing a themed anthology. https://www.bona-books.com/ https://tripgaley.com/ @chrismccartney.bsky.social WORLDBUILD WITH US!
Episode 54, part 2: Worldbuilding Urban Legends & Folklore with Gregg Hale
The Blair Witch Project created a whole new film genre - and co-producer Gregg Hale is with guest host Kat to talk about worldbuilding urban legends and folk horror (and dark fairytales, like his new multimedia project, Black Velvet Fairies). Take a walk on the darker side of folklore as we explore how to make a creepy setting that uses the familiar to evoke DREAD.
Episode 54, part 1: Worldbuilding Urban Legends & Folklore with Gregg Hale
The Blair Witch Project created a whole new film genre - and co-producer Gregg Hale is with guest host Kat to talk about worldbuilding urban legends and folk horror (and dark fairytales, like his new multimedia project, Black Velvet Fairies). Take a walk on the darker side of folklore as we explore how to make a creepy setting that uses the familiar to evoke DREAD.
Episode 53, part 2: Two Player and Couples RPGs with Alex Roberts
Join Janet as we sit down with talented game designer (and counselor!) Alex Roberts, creator of Star Crossed, For the Queen and Our Time on Earth to explore the world of two-player and couples tabletop roleplaying games. Discover the magic of creating shared stories with just one other player and explore the ways RPGs can build connections and strengthen relationships.
Episode 53, part 1: Two Player and Couples RPGs with Alex Roberts
Join Janet as we sit down with talented game designer (and counselor!) Alex Roberts, creator of Star Crossed, For the Queen and Our Time on Earth to explore the world of two-player and couples tabletop roleplaying games. Discover the magic of creating shared stories with just one other player and explore the ways RPGs can build connections and strengthen relationships.
Episode 52, part 2: Titling Your Novel or Short Story w/Trip Galey & Chris McCartney
What's in a name? Maybe everything! Janet is joined by authors Trip Galey, Chris McCartney, and Kat Bradbury to discuss pro tips (and what to avoid) when it comes to naming your novels, titling your stories, and deciding what to call That Crazy Thing You Created.
Episode 52, part 1: Titling Your Novel or Short Story w/Trip Galey & Chris McCartney
What's in a name? Maybe everything! Janet is joined by authors Trip Galey, Chris McCartney, and Kat Bradbury to discuss pro tips (and what to avoid) when it comes to naming your novels, titling your stories, and deciding what to call That Crazy Thing You Created.
Episode 51, part 2: Gaslamp Fantasy Worldbuilding with Laura Ann Gilman
Join Janet and award-winning and best-selling author Laura Anne Gilman for a conversation about the historical fantasy world she's built in the Huntsmen series. What is "gaslamp fantasy"? And how can you create an immersive fantastical world grounded in real world history?
Episode 51, part 1: Gaslamp Fantasy Worldbuilding with Laura Ann Gilman
Join Janet and award-winning and best-selling author Laura Anne Gilman for a conversation about the historical fantasy world she's built in the Huntsmen series. What is "gaslamp fantasy"? And how can you create an immersive fantastical world grounded in real world history?
Episode 50, part 2: Setting Sustainable Creative Goals with Peter Chiykowski
Storytellers obsess over our goals - long and short term. In this episode, Janet is chatting with Peter Chiykowski, creator of the Story Engine Deck, about doing it in a balanced, responsible way to avoid burnout and overwhelm. Grab a cozy beverage, your favorite planners and pens, and let's prepare for an amazing year of worldbuilding!
Episode 50, part 1: Setting Sustainable Creative Goals with Peter Chiykowski
Storytellers obsess over our goals - long and short term. In this episode, Janet is chatting with Peter Chiykowski, creator of the Story Engine Deck, about doing it in a balanced, responsible way to avoid burnout and overwhelm. Grab a cozy beverage, your favorite planners and pens, and let's prepare for an amazing year of worldbuilding!
Episode 49, part 2: Mixing Mystery & SciFi with Mur Lafferty
We've got a killer interview today! Join Janet and Mur Lafferty, Hugo Award winning podcaster and author of Solo: A Star Wars Story and the Midsolar Murders series. We'll discuss blending genres - specifically sci-fi and murder mysteries. You won't want to miss it!
Episode 49, part 1: Mixing Mystery & SciFi with Mur Lafferty
We've got a killer interview today! Join Janet and Mur Lafferty, Hugo Award winning podcaster and author of Solo: A Star Wars Story and the Midsolar Murders series. We'll discuss blending genres - specifically sci-fi and murder mysteries. You won't want to miss it!
Episode 48, part 2: Solo Journaling RPGs with Anna Blackwell
The biggest villain in tabletop RPGs is ... scheduling. But what if you could play a satisfying roleplaying game all on your own? Solo Journaling RPGs have taken off in recent years, and today Janet has acclaimed game designer Anna Blackwell, creator of Apothecaria, DELVE, and the upcoming For Small Creatures Such As We to talk about what makes these games special.
Episode 48, part 1: Solo Journaling RPGs with Anna Blackwell
The biggest villain in tabletop RPGs is ... scheduling. But what if you could play a satisfying roleplaying game all on your own? Solo Journaling RPGs have taken off in recent years, and today Janet has acclaimed game designer Anna Blackwell, creator of Apothecaria, DELVE, and the upcoming For Small Creatures Such As We to talk about what makes these games special.
Episode 47, part 2: Pulp Fiction Genre
What IS Pulp Fiction? In this episode Janet talks with authors Trip Galey and Chris McCartney of Bona Books about unpacking this action-packed genre! What are the common tropes that make pulp AWESOME?! And how do we reinvent Pulp without the Problems?
Episode 47, part 1: Pulp Fiction Genre
What IS Pulp Fiction? In this episode Janet talks with authors Trip Galey and Chris McCartney of Bona Books about unpacking this action-packed genre! What are the common tropes that make pulp AWESOME?! And how do we reinvent Pulp without the Problems?
Episode 46, part 2: Designing Fantasy Castles with Wolfgang Baur
Worldbuilding Fantasy Castles with Wolfgang Baur!❤️ 🏰 Where should your castles be on the map? 🗺️ 🏰 What does everyone forget when worldbuilding castles? 🤔 🏰 How do you STORM a fantasy castle... or defend one!? 🐉 🧙 Janet (founder and CEO of World Anvil) chats with castle fanatic and Ennie Award-winning worldbuilding expert Wolfgang Baur (Founder and CEO of Kobold Pres), digging into the foundation
Episode 46, part 1: Designing Fantasy Castles with Wolfgang Baur
Worldbuilding Fantasy Castles with Wolfgang Baur!❤️ 🏰 Where should your castles be on the map? 🗺️ 🏰 What does everyone forget when worldbuilding castles? 🤔 🏰 How do you STORM a fantasy castle... or defend one!? 🐉 🧙 Janet (founder and CEO of World Anvil) chats with castle fanatic and Ennie Award-winning worldbuilding expert Wolfgang Baur (Founder and CEO of Kobold Pres), digging into the foundation
Episode 45, part 2: Character First Plotting and Building an Audience with Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Hannah Nicole Maehrer's debut release, Assistant to the Villain, started out as a series of TikTok sketches. Janet sits down with her to talk about building a novel's worth of plot character-first, and using episodic formats to develop characters, settings, and plot for a longer work. They also discuss building a platform and connecting with readers on social media.
Episode 45, part 1: Character First Plotting and Building an Audience with Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Hannah Nicole Maehrer's debut release, Assistant to the Villain, started out as a series of TikTok sketches. Janet sits down with her to talk about building a novel's worth of plot character-first, and using episodic formats to develop characters, settings, and plot for a longer work. They also discuss building a platform and connecting with readers on social media.
Episode 44, part 2: The Undying Appeal of Vampires with Jason Carl
Vampires! Their undying appeal is unquestioned. But how can writers, gamemasters and tabletop RPG players inject new life into these monstrous heroes in games and fiction? Join Janet as she sits down with Jason Carl, brand marketing manager for Vampire: The Masquerade, to talk about fresh approaches to writing vampires!
Episode 44, part 1: The Undying Appeal of Vampires with Jason Carl
Vampires! Their undying appeal is unquestioned. But how can writers, gamemasters and tabletop RPG players inject new life into these monstrous heroes in games and fiction? Join Janet as she sits down with Jason Carl, brand marketing manager for Vampire: The Masquerade, to talk about fresh approaches to writing vampires!
Episode 43, part 2: Collaborative Writing & Space Misfits with Nina Croft & Tracy Wolff
In this episode, we're talking about science fiction worldbuilding, collaborative writing, and creating a crew of lovable misfits with Tracy Wolff & Nina Croft, bestselling authors of Star Bringer!
Episode 43, part 1: Collaborative Writing & Space Misfits with Nina Croft & Tracy Wolff
In this episode, we're talking about science fiction worldbuilding, collaborative writing, and creating a crew of lovable misfits with Tracy Wolff & Nina Croft, bestselling authors of Star Bringer!
Episode 42, part 2: Mood, Tone, Theme & Genre in Worldbuilding w Peter Chiykowski
Are you in the mood... for worldbuilding? Join Janet and our guest Peter Chiykowski of Rock, Paper, Cynic and The Story Engine Deck as we talk about the elements of mood, tone and theme in worldbuilding. These subtle aspects can have a huge impact on how people experience your world - here's how to use them with intention!
Episode 42, part 1: Mood, Tone, Theme & Genre in Worldbuilding w Peter Chiykowski
Are you in the mood... for worldbuilding? Join Janet and our guest Peter Chiykowski of Rock, Paper, Cynic and The Story Engine Deck as we talk about the elements of mood, tone and theme in worldbuilding. These subtle aspects can have a huge impact on how people experience your world - here's how to use them with intention!
Fantasy Worldbuilding: Inverting the Tropes with Amanda Hamon & Gail Carriger
Welcome to a special Bonus Season! Enjoy these sessions from this year's Worldbuilding Con! No genre is more closely associated with Worldbuilding than fantasy. Unfortunately, this can create a temptation to "play the hits," following established tropes at the cost of innovation. In this session, we'll discuss how to subvert audience expectations and deliver a fantasy world that's both satisfying
Magic Systems in Worldbuilding with Keith Baker, Celeste Conowitch & Shane Hensley
Welcome to a special Bonus Season! Enjoy these sessions from this year's Worldbuilding Con! Our panel of experts is ready to bring the magic! Join us as we think through the mechanics of magic systems. Consider how different magic systems affect combat balance and action economy in gaming. Learn how different styles of magic can contribute to your fictional world's overall theme and premise. Wh
When to Stop Worldbuilding with Chris Fox, Jason Sizemore, John Joseph Adams, C.L. Clark
Welcome to a special Bonus Season! Enjoy these sessions from this year's Worldbuilding Con! It's easy to get carried away by the desire to fully flesh out your fictional world. Our panel of industry experts will explain how much worldbuilding is enough - and how to deliver it for maximum impact, while avoiding the dreaded "exposition infodump prologue." Why do we need to stop worldbuilding? What
Dark Worldbuilding: Bringing the Shadows to Your World with Michael Williams
Welcome to a special Bonus Season! Enjoy these sessions from this year's Worldbuilding Con! Tone, mood and aesthetic are all elements that can be used to differentiate your world. Join us for a lively discussion on how to add a darker edge to your worldbuilding efforts. Learn how careful placement of the shadows in your world can add depth, and help your world feel more realistic - or more fantas
Geography in Worldbuilding: from Map to Myth to Magic with Andy Law and Caeora
Welcome to a special Bonus Season! Enjoy these sessions from this year's Worldbuilding Con! Geography is the literal foundation of your worldbuilding. Join us for this foray into the forests, deserts, mountains and oceans of your imagination. From mapmaking to natural disasters to unnatural landmarks, you won't want to miss this groundbreaking session. Where to start with geography in worldbuild
Episode 41, part 2: How to design for non-DnD Systems and Settings
... both other people's, and YOUR OWN! In this episode Janet sits down with the amazing DOMINIQUE DICKEY - a pro-RPG designer and writer, and also an INDIE designer and writer. They discuss: The advantages - and disadvantages - of writing outside DnD How different systems and game mechanics affect the way you write Tips for getting into designing professionally for RPG Publishers The process to g
Episode 41, part 1: How to design for non-DnD Systems and Settings
... both other people's, and YOUR OWN! In this episode Janet sits down with the amazing DOMINIQUE DICKEY - a pro-RPG designer and writer, and also an INDIE designer and writer. They discuss: The advantages - and disadvantages - of writing outside DnD How different systems and game mechanics affect the way you write Tips for getting into designing professionally for RPG Publishers The process to g
Episode 40, part 1: What Makes Epic Fantasy Epic?
What makes Epic Fantasy epic? Where did the genre come from? What are the tropes to rely on (or avoid)? And how can we sprinkle a little epic into other genres, too? Expert Celeste Conowitch from Kobold Press unpacks this knotty topic!
Episode 40, part 2: What Makes Epic Fantasy Epic?
What makes Epic Fantasy epic? Where did the genre come from? What are the tropes to rely on (or avoid)? And how can we sprinkle a little epic into other genres, too? Expert Celeste Conowitch from Kobold Press unpacks this knotty topic!
Episode 39, part 1: Worldbuilding for Mental Health
How can worldbuilding help your mental health? And how can you maintain your mental health in the face of imposter syndrome, perfectionism and competitiveness? We're live with art-therapist and artist Christina Christidou unpacking Worldbuilding and Mental Health!
Episode 39, part 2: Worldbuilding for Mental Health
How can worldbuilding help your mental health? And how can you maintain your mental health in the face of imposter syndrome, perfectionism and competitiveness? We're live with art-therapist and artist Christina Christidou unpacking Worldbuilding and Mental Health!
Episode 38, part 1: Matriarchies in Worldbuilding
Ever considered worldbuilding a Matriarchy? To celebrate mother's day, Janet from World Anvil chats with her own mommy, archaeologist and ancient historian Professor Lin Foxhall, about matriarchies and gender dynamics, both past and imagined. Glean insights into worldbuilding families, cultures and power structures in this expert discussion!
Episode 38, part 2: Matriarchies in Worldbuilding
Ever considered worldbuilding a Matriarchy? To celebrate mother's day, Janet from World Anvil chats with her own mommy, archaeologist and ancient historian Professor Lin Foxhall, about matriarchies and gender dynamics, both past and imagined. Glean insights into worldbuilding families, cultures and power structures in this expert discussion!
Episode 37, part 1: Writing Autistic Characters with Jonathan Fesmire
What are the challenges and secret super powers of Autistic characters? What do classic or famous representations of autistic characters get wrong? In this episode, worldbuilding expert Janet Forbes interviews author Jonathan Fesmire about all this and more! Links: https://www.jonathanfesmire.com/ https://www.facebook.com/jonfesmire/ http://amzn.to/2uLdE1q
Episode 37, part 2: Writing Autistic Characters with Jonathan Fesmire
What are the challenges and secret super powers of Autistic characters? What do classic or famous representations of autistic characters get wrong? In this episode, Janet interviews author Jonathan Fesmire about all this and more! Links: https://www.jonathanfesmire.com/ https://www.facebook.com/jonfesmire/ http://amzn.to/2uLdE1q
Episode 36, part 2: Avoiding GM Burnout with Dead Aussie Gamer
What is GM burnout? What causes it? How can you prevent or solve it? In this episode, Janet talks with Pro-GM and all round amazing person Dead Aussie Gamer about GMing experiences and how to create a set of DM tools to beat the burn out! Links: Website YouTube Twitch
Episode 36, part 1: Avoiding GM Burnout with Dead Aussie Gamer
What is GM burnout? What causes it? How can you prevent or solve it? In this episode, Janet talks with Pro-GM and all round amazing person Dead Aussie Gamer about GMing experiences and how to build a set of DM tools beat the burn out! Links: Website YouTube Twitch
Episode 35, part 2: Adapting Real World Cultures with Basheer Ghouse
World building inspired by real world cultures - and how to get it right!? 😅 In this episode, Janet chats with the AMAZING Basheer Ghouse, expert worldbuilder and RPG writer who's worked for Pathfinder, Kobold Press & Wizards of the Coast. Learn all about how to adapt real world cultures to create fasctinating and unique cultures for your own worlds. Links: Guns Blazing Kickstarter Itchio
